NOVEMBER 2016
Wise Choices for Moms & Families
© Jessica Fowler Photography
CHATTAHOOCHEE VALLEY
See Cover Sponsor on Back Cover
Performance Dance presents “The Nutcracker,” Dec. 10th, at CSU
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
Dr. Cathy Cook
Gentle Dentistry for the Entire Family! ACCEPTING ALL MAJOR INSURANCES, CARE CREDIT AND OFFERING FINANCIAL OPTIONS
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HOO’s PARENTING HOW TO HANDLE
AGGRESSIVE TODDLERS Toddlers under the age of 3 often resort to biting and other aggressive behavior to express frustration since they don’t yet have the language skills to put their feelings into words. For some toddlers, the aggressive behavior is not limited to just one incident but becomes a disturbing pattern. Here are some tips on how to discourage and prevent aggressive toddler behavior. First, when your toddler bites or pushes someone, immediately say ‘Oh no, we don’t hurt others and remove him to a quiet time-out area where he can cool down in solitude. Then, lavish attention on the victim. Your child will see that he does not receive extra attention by acting aggressively and, in addition, has to sit out when he misbehaves. It is important to teach your toddler that aggressive behavior is a serious offense by consistently enforcing the rules right away. He will learn there are no warnings or second chances when it comes to hitting or biting, only time alone in the quiet area. Once your toddler cools down, it is time to have a discussion with him about the incident. Your goal is to find out what may have triggered his aggressive behavior and to review with him what he should do the next time he feels frustrated. Remind him that biting, hitting,
and pushing are not OK. Also, that he should ask an adult for help mediating disagreements if he has asked nicely to share a toy or take a turn on the swing and the other child is not interested in sharing. Before letting your child return to the play area, have him apologize to the victim. Toddlers don’t yet have the ability to empathize well with others, but it is never too early to start working on the social skill of saying ‘I am sorry.’ Next, start taking steps to prevent future incidents of aggressive behavior. Remind your toddler of the rules at the beginning of his next play date and watch him carefully for signs of frustration. Step in quickly and remind him ‘no biting’ or ‘no pushing’ when you sense something is about to happen. If needed, cool down the situation by redirecting your child’s attention to another toy or activity. Also, be on the lookout for good
behavior and praise him generously when he is kind to others. If you consistently discipline your toddler when he displays aggressive behavior and provide plenty of positive reinforcement, your toddler should begin to learn that being kind has a much more desirable outcome than hitting or biting others does. However, if you have tried everything and your toddler’s aggressive behavior does not improve, it may be time to search deeper for a possible cause. Is your child upset over having to move or having to share mom’s attention with a new sibling? If your toddler has experienced changes at home or at school, he may be using aggressive behavior to express his feelings of distress. Your child’s doctor or a child psychologist can assist you with identifying the underlying cause of the aggressive behavior and help you develop a plan to stop it.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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Tammy Usie Publisher
TheValley.com
Tammy@HooKnows
253-212-7270 Cell
Dear Parents of the Chattahoochee Valley, Welcome to our handy, parenting resource guide. I hope you will find lots of helpful choices on products and services for you and your family, along with some informative articles, handy resources and fun features. If you like our magazine, then you’ll love our website, www. HooKnowsTheValley.com. There you can read our magazine online, find other resources and use our SHOPPING DIRECTORY. This virtual buying guide provides our readers with a comprehensive list of local, family-friendly businesses. Plus with the ability for consumers to leave reviews on these businesses, it will help other parents make buying decisions. I invite you to go leave a few reviews to help us build this resource and share them with other parents like yourself.
AD DEADLINES
The 1st of the month for the next month’s issue
Tammy Usie
HOO KNOWS SPECIAL FEATURES Hoo’s crafty.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 13
HOO’S hungry.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 26
HOO’S Fun.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 12 & 21
hoo’s Parenting.. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 3 & 8
HOO’S healthy.. . . . . . . . . . . . . page 19 & 23
hoo’s Picks.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 9
HOO knew.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .page 7
hoo’s Tips.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 27
HOO KNOWS® Community Digest does not assume responsibility for products and services listed in this magazine. Ads may not be reproduced, in any way, without written consent. HOO KNOWS® is a trademark of Cinah Media Group LLC. For information on operating your own digest, contact us at 1-888-HOO-5609.
Where to Find HOO? Publix: Columbus & Phenix City Chick fil-A: Columbus & Phenix City Family & Kids of the Chattahoochee Valley
PLUS: Check your local kid-friendly doctors & dentists, attractions, restaurants & retail shops. Children attending FT Benning daycares, preschools & elementary schools each receive a copy, as well as elementary students at most all private schools in Columbus & Phenix City...plus all kids attending major daycares and preschools.
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www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
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Register to Win Family 4 Pack to
with
DEC 10 - 7PM
CSU University Hall By Peformance Dance Centre
& Ticket to
Tea with Clara & Friends DEC 10 - 3PM
at Performance Dance Centre
Visit HooKnowsTheValley.com. Enter email on website’s CONTEST page. Drawing Dec 1st.
Proudly serving the families of Columbus. #1 Bradley Park Ct, Columbus 706.315.7075 Mary@MaryVarner.com l
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
SHOPPING GUIDE activities Academy Dance.................................. 14 Chattahoochee Valley Libraries.... 21 Clement Arts/ Studio Elevare........22 Columbus Ballet’s The Nutcracker......... 31 Elite Dance...........................................25 iCON Wrestling.....................................9 Painting with a Twist....................... 18 Performance Dance’s The Nutcracker.32 Prodigy Dance Centre.........................9 Sesame Street Live.............................. 8 The Columbus Museum................... 10
Childcare/ education TELL THEM Calvary Christian...............................29 East West After School Program..... 2 SENT YOU! First Presbyterian Day School.......29 Grace Christian School....................29 Growing Room....................................28 Kumon...................................................30 Lakewood Child Development ......28 Mathnasium........................................30 Night Owl Kids Care..........................22 St. Luke Schools.................................29 Sylvan Learning Center...................30 Westminster Christian.....................29
Food & Beverage Chick-fil-A.............................................. 5 Chill Yogurt Cafe................................26 Little Caesars.......................................26 Stevi B’s Pizza Buffet........................ 18 Columbus Counseling......................22
healthcare Columbus Spine & Performance...22 Comprehensive Women’s Care...... 10 Cook Dental Care.................................. 2 Pediatric Dentistry of Columbus... 25 Pediatrics at Brookstone Centre... 10 Rivertown Pediatrics........................ 13
Home/ Handy Mary Varner, Realtor........................... 5 Turfscapes Lawncare........................22 Warehouse World Mini Storage.....22
Shopping/ Retail Baby Elements.................................... 18 Jessica Fowler Photography..........25 Mickayla’s Place - Resale................ 18 Once Upon A Child - Resale...........27
TELL THEM
SENT YOU!
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
Tammy Usie creative boutique & brokerage
MARKETING l DESIGN l SALES l EVENTS 253.212.7270 TammyUsie@gmail.com
HOO knew?
What’s in a phrase? l l l l You may have heard someone say, “It’s raining cats and dogs.” There have been actual documented cases from all over the world of fish, frogs, dead birds, snakes, snails, beetles, worms and jellyfish raining down from the sky in great numbers, but no reports of showers of cats or dogs.
Have you ever heard the expression, “knock your socks off?” If you are struck by lightning, your socks and shoes may be knocked off. Rapid evaporation and expansion of sweat on your skin blows your clothes off. You may not be hurt if the current does not enter your body.
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The phrase “once in a blue moon” is used colloquially to reference something that doesn’t happen very often. A blue moon is the second full moon in a single calendar month, and its rareness ended up making for a great little saying with an easy to recognize meaning.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
December 1
TM/©2016 Sesame Workshop. All Rights Reserved. 68179 10/16
HOO’s PARENTING
FAMILY MEALS
Make a Difference Juggling jobs, kids and the demands of a busy, modern life often comes at the expense of family mealtime at home. Even though life never seems to slow down, now is the perfect time to renew your commitment to creating and serving meals at home that nourish your kids’ brains and help them flourish. Not only is time together around the table an opportunity to catch up and reconnect, numerous studies provide evidence that regular family meals lead to higher grades and self-esteem, healthier eating habits and less risky behaviors. For example, according to research published in the “Journal of Pediatrics,” kids and teens who share meals with their
published in the “Journal of Adolescent Health,” found that teens who have infrequent family dinners (fewer than three per week) are 3.5 times more likely to have abused prescription drugs or have Other studies have shown that children used an illegal drug; 2.5 times more likely who grow up sharing family meals are to have used tobacco and 1.5 times more more likely to exhibit positive social likely to have used alcohol. behavior as adults, such as sharing, Learn more about the positive impact fairness and respect. regular meals at home together On the other hand, research also suggests can have for your kids’ emotional, that aside from missing out on the intellectual and physical well-being at benefits, families that have fewer meals nationalfamilymealsmonth.org. together can also experience adverse effects when it comes to certain risky See our meal planning tips on behaviors. A study on the relationship page 27 to help you make eating between certain family characteristics together easier. and adolescent problem behaviors, families three or more times per week are significantly less likely to be overweight, more likely to eat healthy foods and less likely to have eating disorders.
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
HOO’s PICKS
APPS to LOVE KEY RING Never carry loyalty, membership, or library cards again! Key Ring is the app for loyalty cards and savings while shopping. Plan, save, and organize by carrying your cards, stores’ weekly ads, coupons, and your shopping lists – all in one app.
COZI CALENDAR There’s nothing stationary about your life, so why depend on a family calendar that hangs on a fridge or wall? Cozi turns all your devices into ultimate family organizers with a shared calendar, shopping lists, to do lists, recipe box, and more everyone can access on the go.
Prodigy Life
Prodigy Vibes
Prodigy Mind
Prodigy Dance Centre
www.prodigydancecentrega.com 7613 Fortson Rd, Columbus, GA 31909
706-221-5566
Design by Krystle Albert
POTTY TIME From hugs and high-fives to stickers and Snickers, there are many ways to encourage potty training. With the new POTTY TIME app, you have eight new ways to celebrate your child’s potty training success. ABC kids ABC Kids is a free phonics and alphabet teaching app that makes learning fun for children, from toddlers all the way to preschoolers and kindergartners. It features a series of tracing games to help kids recognize letter shapes, associate them with phonic sounds, and put their alphabet knowledge to use in fun matching exercises.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
We are expecting
Y ou! Maria V. Gonzaga, MD OB/GYN
1900 10th Ave. Suite 300 Columbus, GA (706) 341-3311 | comprehensivewomenscare.com
Dining Deals
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
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With deals this good, save the mess and dine out!
MONDAY
wednesday
Chick-fil-A, Phenix City
Applebee’s
Chick-fil-A, Wynnton Rd
Kids’ meals are half off with the purchase of an adult entrée. Limit: 4 kids per adult
5-7:30p: Free kid’s meal with regular priced combo 5-7:30p: $.99 kid’s meal with regular priced combo
Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria
Kids 12 & under eat free (1 topping 8” pizza & drink) with purchase of adult entrée (11” pizza and a drink). Limit 1 per adult. Dine in only.
Sweet Frog Yogurt
6-8pm. Buy one yogurt mix, get one 50% off
Zaxby’s
thursday MOE’s Southwest Grill
5-9pm: Free kid’s meal per $5 minimum adult entrée
sunday
5-8pm: Free kid’s meal with adult entrée
Steak & Shake
Tuesday
Stevi B’s Pizza
Atlanta Bread Company
Texas Roadhouse
5pm-close: Free kid’s meal with an adult meal Chill Yogurt Cafe & Pizzeria Buy one regular 11” pizza, get one of equal or less value at 50% off with valid school ID. Limit 1 per customer, with ID only.
Denny’s
4-10pm: Up to two free kids’ entrées with adult entrée. For kids 10 and under
Ruby Tuesday
5-10pm: 2 kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée
Free kid’s meal with every $8 purchase Kids eat for $.99 after 4pm Sundays: Kids 12 & under get Jr. Kids Meal for $1.99 with adult entrée (certain holidays are excluded)
Willy T’s
11-5pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase
Monday-Friday Steak & Shake Happy Hour, 1/2 price shakes or drinks from 2-5pm
TGI Friday’s
3-10pm: Kids under 13 eat free with adult entrée
every day
Willy T’s
Golden Corral
4-9pm: 1 free kid’s meal per regular meal purchase
Kids 3 & under eat free with adult meal purchase
Hartz Chicken Buffet
Children 3 & under eat free with purchase of an adult entrée. Kids ages 5-7 get discounted prices
All locations are Columbus, GA unless noted. Specials are subject to change without notice. Please verify them directly before dining. If you know of a kid’s special not listed here, contact Tammy@HooKnowsTheValley.com.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
HOO’s Fun
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Fall Word Scramble
8/10/15, 4:54 P
Use the images to give you clues!
Page 1 of
PM
f2
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
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We are so Thankful...
for our Rivertown Families
www.RivertownPediatrics.com // 2416 Capstone Court, Columbus, GA // 706-327-1281
HOO’s CRAFTY WASHI TAPE
PINECONE TURKEYS This little Thanksgiving craft is easy-peasy and fun to make! Plus, they’re perfect for place settings or even as a Thanksgiving centerpiece.
DIRECTIONS Cut four popsicle sticks in half and place each piece on the sticky side of a strip of washi tape, and press down firmly. Use your exacto to cut off the excess tape from the stick. Now cut a yellow triangle for your turkey’s beak, and a red, elongated, teardrop shape of red felt for his gobble. And glue those on, along with his googly eyes. Finally, glue your popsicle sticks in a fan shape at the back of your pine cone, to make your turkey’s tail feathers.
SUPPLIES washi tape popsicle sticks red/yellow felt googly eyes hot glue gun pinecone exacto/scissors
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
HOO’S at the Movies
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FANTASTIC BEASTS AND WHERE TO FIND THEM Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+
This all-new adventure from J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter universe is directed by David Yates, who helmed the last four “Harry Potter” blockbusters. The movie opens in 1926, as magizoologist Newt Scamander (Academy Award winner Eddie Redmayne) has just completed a global excursion to find and document an extraordinary array of magical creatures. Arriving in New York for a brief stopover, he might have come and gone without incident were it not for a No-Maj (American for Muggle) named Jacob, a misplaced magical case, and the escape of some of Newt’s fantastic beasts, which could spell trouble for both the wizarding and No-Maj worlds.
MOANA PG | Ok for kids 6+
Three thousand years ago, the greatest sailors in the world voyaged across the vast Pacific Ocean, discovering the many islands of Oceania. But then, for a millennium, their voyages stopped – and no one knows why. From Walt Disney Animation Studios comes “Moana,” a sweeping, CG-animated feature film about an adventurous teenager who sails out on a daring mission to save her people. During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), who guides her in her quest to become a master wayfinder. Together, they sail across the open ocean on an action-packed voyage, encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds. Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors.
THE EDGE OF SEVENTEEN Rated PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+
In the vein of “Sixteen Candles” and “The Breakfast Club” this new coming-of- age movie offers an honest, candid, often hilarious look at what it’s like to grow up as a young woman in today’s modern world. Everyone knows that growing up is hard, and life is no easier for high school junior Nadine (Hailee Steinfeld), who is already at peak awkwardness when her all-star older brother Darian (Blake Jenner) starts dating her best friend Krista (Haley Lu Richardson). All at once, Nadine feels more alone than ever, until the unexpected friendship of a thoughtful boy (Hayden Szeto) gives her a glimmer of hope that things just might not be so terrible after all.
TROLLS PG | Ok for kids 6+
From the creators of “Shrek”, this cute movie transports audiences to a colorful world populated by the overly optimistic Trolls, and the comically pessimistic Bergens. After the Bergens invade Troll Village, Poppy (Anna Kendrick), the happiest Troll ever born, and the curmudgeonly Branch (Justin Timberlake) set off on a journey to rescue her friends. Together, this mismatched duo embark on a rescue mission full of adventure and mishaps - trying to tolerate each other long enough to get the job done. The soundtrack is produced by Justin Timberlake and features five original songs, including songs by Timberlake and Gwen Stefani, in addition to a number of classic hits from the 1960’s through the 1980’s.
ALMOST CHRISTMAS PG-13 | Ok for kids 13+
A new comedy from writer/director David E. Talbert “Baggage Claim” and producer Will Packer “Ride Along” and “Think Like a Man,” this movie tells the festive story of a dysfunctional family who gather together for their first Thanksgiving since their mom died, and the beloved patriarch who asks his family for one gift this holiday season: to get along. If they can honor that wish and spend five days under the same roof without killing each other, it will be a Christmas miracle. This movie stars Kimberly Elise, Omar Epps, Danny Glover, Gabrielle Union, Jessie T. Usher, Nicole Ari Parker, Romany Malco, and Mo’Nique.
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NOVEMBE PROVIDED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:
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6 Junie B. Jones: Essential Sur-
Greater Columbus Fair. $3$7. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.org Family Fun Day. 10:30amNoon. Peachtree Mall
4-5 The Boy Who Fell into a Book. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org
5 Home Depot Kids Workshop. 9am-Noon. Free. Ages 5-12. Columbus store; 706-322-9240. Phenix City store; 334-297-2045
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SteepleChase at Callaway Gardens. 10am. $15-$30; steeplechaseatcallaway.org
5 Pumpkin Destruction Day. The
Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; 706-6476374 or therockranch.com
5
Frogwarts. 1-5pm. $5. Oxbow Meadows; oxbow.columbusstate.edu
5 Minecraft Mania. 2pm. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org
LIBRARY ACTIVITIES
Chattahoochee Valley www.CVLGA.org 706-243-2669
Phenix City-Russell County 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City www.phenixcitylibrary.com 334-297-1139
Troup-Harris 706-628-4685 www.thclibrary.net
Founders Day at Callaway Gardens. Free admission. Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com
vival Guide to School. 2:30pm RiverCenter; rivercenter.org
8 Kids Vote! 3pm. South Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org
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La Leche League meeting. 10am. Columbus Library, 3000 Macon Rd. lllofga.org
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Veterans Day Celebration. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Public Library; cvlga.org
10-12
The Boy Who Fell into a Book. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org
10-12
Springer Presents “Route 66” (G), 7pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperahouse.org
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Veterans Day Mini Camp. 9am-1pm. $10. Ages 5-11. National Infantry Museum; 706653-9234
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Veterans Day Celebration. 10am-4pm. Free. F. D. Roosevelt State Park; gastateparks. org/FDRoosevelt
12 Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic. 10-11am. Free. 1st-5th grades. 6750 Veterans Pkwy, Columbus; 706-320-9292
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Second Saturday. 10amNoon. Columbus Museum; columbusmuseum.com
12 Veterans Day Parade. 10am.
No entry fee. Downtown Phenix City and Uptown Columbus; 334-291-4719
12 Night Walk benefiting March
of Dimes during “Fantasy in Lights.” 6pm. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com
17-20 Springer Presents “Route
66” (G), Fri & Sat 7pm, Sun 2pm. Springer Opera House; springeroperathouse.org
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“Fantasy in Lights” kicks off. 6pm. Five miles of lighted scenes. Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain; callawaygardens.com
15 Puppy Tales. 2pm. Free. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org
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The Boy Who Fell into a Book. 7:30pm. Family Theatre, 2100 Hamilton Rd, Columbus; familytheatre.org
18 Friday Family Flicks: Zootopia
(PG). 3pm. South Columbus Library; cvlga.org
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Family Fun: Thanksgiving. 4:30pm. Mildred L. Terry Library; cvlga.org
ER EVENTS
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18-20 Candlelight Tour Festival 24 Ludy’s Christmas Light Specin Warm Springs Village. Free; warmspringsga.com
19 S’MORES Concert for Kids. 12:30pm. RiverCenter; 706-2563640 or csoga.org/smores
19 Cottonmouths vs. RiverKings.
7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www.columbusciviccenter.com
20 Toddler Time. 10am-Noon. Launch Trampoline Park.
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Movie & Popcorn: Finding Dori. 10:30am. Mildred L Terry Library; cvlga.org
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Kidz Flicks: Angry Birds. 10:30am. Columbus Public Library; cvlga.org
21 A Night of Thanks. 5-7pm. Free. Chick-fil-A Wynnton/ Macon Rd; facebook.com/ events/1188700737863469
22 Face 2 Face Teen Support
Group. 6pm. Free. Ages 13-18. Columbus Counseling Assoc. ccacolumbus.com
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Cottonmouths vs. Havoc. 7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; www. columbusciviccenter.com
23 Kidz Flicks: Alvin & the Chip-
munks: The Road Chips (PG). 10:30am. Columbus Library; cvlga.org
tacular kicks off. 5784 Ironstone Dr, Cottonwood Subdivision, Columbus; ludychristmas.com
24 Drive-Thru Christmas Lights.
6-10pm. Free. The Rock Ranch, 5020 Barnesville Hwy, The Rock, GA; 706-647-6374 or therockranch.com
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Cottonmouths vs. RiverKings. 7:30pm. $9-$30. Columbus Civic Center; columbusciviccenter.com
26 Young Eagles Day at Flightways Columbus. 8:30-11:30am. Free. Ages 8-17. Columbus Airport; 706-323-6565 or youngeagles.com/flightplan/flight.asp
29 Block Party: LEGOs in the
Library. 10:30pm. Mildred Terry Library; cvlga.org
Weekly Events TUESDAY
MOPS meeting, 9am-noon. First Presbyterian Church, 1100 First Ave; www.columbusfpc.org/ mops
WEDNESDAY
Moms Group. 6-8pm. Philadelphia Baptist Church, 7807 Lee Road 246, Smiths Station
THURSDAY
Toddler Tales at Barnes & Noble. 10am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd; 706-653-7880
FRIDAY
Make & Take Craft. 4pm. Free. Phenix City-Russell Co Library; phenixcitylibrary.com MOPS/ MOMSnext meeting. 9:15-11:30am. Wynnbrook Baptist, 500 River Knoll Way; 706323-4374 (1st & 3rd Friday)
SATURDAY
Market Days on Broadway. 9amnoon. Different activities each week. 900, 1000, & 1100 blocks of Broadway, Columbus; 706596-0111 or uptowncolumbusga.com Michael’s Kids Club Meeting. 10am-Noon. Ages 3+. See store for details. Saturday Storytimes at Barnes & Noble. 11am. 5555 Whittlesey Blvd. 706-653-7880 Family Storytime at Phenix City Public Library. 11am. 1501 17th Avenue, Phenix City; (334) 2971139 Please call ahead to confirm event dates, times and age appropriateness, in case changes were made after the info was obtained. For more info, visit www.Muscogeemoms.com
Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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from one child to another (sizes newborn to 16)
Buying Days Mon - Thurs 10 AM - 5 PM Drop off any day
Store Hours Mon - Fri: 9 AM - 7 PM Saturday: 10 AM - 6 PM Sunday: Closed
a children’s resale shop
706-221-1154 I 2401 Whittlesey Rd I Columbus, GA 31909
All Natural Baby Boutique
~Natural skin care products
~Cloth diapers ~Baby Carriers ~Teething & Breastfeeding aids
10% OFF ith ad
purchase w
5828C Moon Rd, Columbus/ BabyElementsBoutique.com
706-507-5105
www.HooKnowsFamilyAndKids.com
HOO’s HEALTHY
The great homework debate Does homework improve a student’s academic achievement or does it interfere with family time and create a negative learning experience? Brandy Young, a second grade teacher in Godley, Texas, recently made the news when a letter she gave to her students’ parents, went viral on social media. Young said that she was dropping homework from her curriculum for the new school year. “Research has been unable to prove that homework improves student performance,” Young wrote. “Rather, I ask that you spend your evenings doing things that are proven to correlate with student success. Eat dinner as a family, read together, play outside, and get your child to bed early.” That made a lot of Young’s students very happy. According to the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development (ASCD), homework has had a fluid history. Throughout the first few decades of the 20th century, educators commonly believed that homework helped create disciplined minds. By 1940, growing concern that homework interfered with other home activities sparked a reaction against it. This trend was reversed in the late 1950s when the Soviets’ launch of Sputnik led to concern that U.S. education lacked rigor; schools viewed more rigorous homework as a partial solution to the problem. By 1980, the trend had reversed again, with some learning theorists claiming that homework could be detrimental to students’ mental health. Since then, impassioned arguments for and against homework have continued to proliferate. The case for doing homework involves studies noting that students’ academic achievements improve when they are given meaningful homework and they complete assignments. A number of studies have been conducted on
The
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Kids
Doctor
Sue Hubbard, MD kidsdr.com
homework, and the conclusions from these studies stated, “The relationship between the amount of homework students do and their achievement outcomes was found to be positive and statistically significant. Therefore, based on the evidence in hand, we can conclude that doing homework causes improved academic achievement.” The case against homework also cites several studies that suggest homework doesn’t improve students’ learning but instead overvalues work to the detriment of personal and familial well-being. Several popular books have been written taking the no-homework stand; one is The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing by Alfie Kohn. If homework needs to be assigned, Kohn suggests teachers should make sure that the assignments are involving students in activities appropriate for the home, such as experimenting in the kitchen, cooking, doing crossword puzzles with the family, watching good TV shows, or reading. The idea is that family participatory homework exercises can help students learn practical applications with school subjects and receive more bonding time in the process. Students are now assigned homework from Kindergarten to 12th grade, but there has been no consensus on the benefits of homework at the early elementary grade levels, however, older students do improve their grades with homework. Many parents are still uncertain about how they feel about homework. Some will tell you their child has too much assigned, but they are not quite ready to chuck homework altogether. It’s an interesting debate that will continue to garner attention.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
A Page In A Book Recommending the Best Books for Children and Teens By Gerry P. Smith
Getting Lost in a Book
One sock, the best pacifier, a favorite blanket, an irreplaceable toy – all these things gain critical importance when a child realizes that they are ‘lost.’ And the search begins, sometimes yielding unexpected treasures along the way. The following titles examine the process of finding something that is hidden or lost, and what is revealed in the journey of discovery.
Alfie’s Lost Sharkie
By Anna Walker (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
When Dad announces bath time, Alfie becomes instantly aware that his beloved Sharkie is missing. The search begins as Alfie looks for his favorite toy in all the customary places (and many outside the norm). With his Dad struggling to keep the evening routine on track, every step along the way is punctuated by new places that Alfie needs to explore in his effort to find Sharkie. With a Dad who is exasperated by all the side-trips, delays and restless resistance from a child who refuses to give up the search, parents will find familiar scenarios throughout this charming journey toward bed time.
Clark in the Deep Sea
By R.W. Alley (Clarion / Houghton Mifflin Harcourt)
It’s a rainy afternoon on the porch as a group of siblings each find their own way to stay busy and dry. But the mood changes when youngest sister Annabelle’s star attraction of her imaginary circus, her beloved stuffed bear, launches out into the soggy sea of the yard. Brother Clark springs into action and dives deep within the wet surrounds (and his own colorful musings) as he seeks to find and bring back the lost bear. A make-believe search and rescue has very real implications when a beloved member of the party needs finding!
Where’s the Elephant
By Stephane-Yves Barroux (Candlewick Press)
An elephant, a snake and a parrot enter a wilderness, effectively disappearing in a riot of foliage and color. With only a brief introduction to the animals, young eyes begin searching each subsequent two-page spread to see if they can find the hidden trio in a shrinking environment. Inspired by his trip to the Amazon where he saw deforestation first-hand, Barroux subtly illustrates the effects of habitat loss within this colorfully rendered and hopeful adventure. Eye-opening in more ways than one, Where’s the Elephant is an inspirational twist on the traditional seek-and-find title.
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HOO’s FUN Jokin’ Around about Thanksgiving
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’
Talking!
What do math teachers do for Thanksgiving? Count their blessings!
Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn’t a chicken!
When does Christmas come before Thanksgiving? In the dictionary!
Milk
The milk sign is a lot like milking a cow, without the vertical motion, you are just squeezing the udder. Take both hands, make them into a fist, relax, and repeat.
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Dance • Music • Art • Drama Benefits adoption and foster care. Spring Semester begins in January. www.clement-arts.org
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HOO’s HEALTHY
COLD & FLU MYTHS Colds and flu are upper respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. There is no cure for colds or the flu, so prevention is important. However, there are some misconceptions about these illnesses that seem to persist. Let’s clear those up so you have the best chance possible of keeping your family happy and healthy during cold and flu season.
MYTH: Once you have had a cold or the flu, you are immune for the rest of the season.
FACT: Yes, keeping your distance from someone displaying symptoms is wise. However, colds and the flu can be contagious even before the person infected shows symptoms. Also, it is possible for flu and cold viruses to live for short periods of time on hard surfaces, like doorknobs. Use frequent hand washing to help prevent the spread of colds and the flu. For everyone 6 months and older, getting a flu shot every year is an important step in preventing the flu.
MYTH: Taking vitamin C or echinacea can help prevent catching colds and the flu.
FACT: Unfortunately there can be more than one variation of the flu virus being passed around during flu season, and just because you catch one version of the virus does not make you immune to all of the different MYTH: If you stay away from people who have cold or strains of flu viruses. The same goes for colds, since there are many different viruses that can cause cold symptoms. flu symptoms, you won’t catch it.
FACT: Vitamin C and echinacea won’t help prevent catching cold or the flu or do much to help to shorten the duration of the illness. However, if you see your doctor right away when you start experiencing flu symptoms, you may be prescribed an anti-viral medication that helps shorten the duration and severity of the flu.
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TOYS FOR TUB TIME! It seems simple enough to find water-worthy toys for the tub. When you rule out the ones that channel water out of the tub, onto the floor, toys that collect water inside, and those with metal bits that rust, you might come up short in the bath fun department. But there are always some well-designed playthings that float to the top of the list. The following toys for the tub are recommended as water-friendly, parent-pleasing and fast favorites for kids in the bath!
Moby Waterfall Bath Rinser
(Skip Hop)
Rinsing a child’s head in the tub is rarely an easy task. Finding a way to get the job done quickly and efficiently is the grail of shampoo-weary parents. Unlike regular pitchers and buckets which scoop up water, but pour unevenly and imprecisely, the Moby is designed with a child’s limits in mind. The wide mouth and interior channels moderate and direct the flow of water evenly and across the whole head so the rinse is complete in just 1-2 pours. The soft rubber lip of the rinser molds to the contour of a child’s head keeping water away from their face. After the rinsing is over, Moby (in the shape of its namesake whale) becomes a fun tub toy for the rest of bath time!
Green Toys Seacopter
(Green Toys)
Aviation pretend-play moves easily to the water with Green Toys Seacopter. Ready to rule the skies and ride the waves, the Seacopter features top and tail rotors that move manually, pontoons that fill and spill to control buoyancy, and a small bear pilot figure for the open cockpit. Perfect for floating and flying, the Seacopter is made in the U.S.A. from recycled milk jugs and is dishwasher-safe for occasional cleaning. Amphibious fun both in and out of the tub, the Green Toys Seacopter is a versatile and worry-free addition to the bath toy box.
Boon Water Pipes
(Boon)
A big part of water’s enchantment in the tub is the way it moves. Waves, bubbles, and every other kind of hydrodynamic is a siren’s call to kids. Boon Water Pipes are colorful transparent pipes that suction onto bathtub walls creating channels for water to travel along. Each pipe features a distinct action or shape that affects the water passing through it. The pipes can be arranged singly or grouped together in a series so that water poured from the top travels through each consecutive pipe on its way back to the bath. Ready to rearrange for repeated water shows, Boon’s Water Pipes bring the dynamic of moving water to the fore with crystal clarity.
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Wise Choices for You & Your Family
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2.
$
99 PLUS TAX
Large Classic Round Pepperoni or Cheese Pizza with the purchase of any Supreme, Meat Treat or Deep Dish Pizza. Not valid with any other offers. Must present coupon to redeem by 12/31/16.
Present this coupon at participating locations: Columbus, Ft. Benning, Phenix City, Auburn, Valley
HOO’s HUNGRY FANCY APPLE PIE
STUFFED APPLES This recipe has everything you love about apple pie, deconstructed, and baked right inside the apple for an adorably, sweet dessert!
DIRECTIONS Peel and dice 2 of the apples. Add to a saucepan with extract, cinnamon, and sugar. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 20-25 minutes. Cut off tops of the other 4 apples. Core and scoop out the center of the apples and place in a baking dish. When filling is cool, divide and fill hollowed apples. Cut pie crusts into 1/4” strips and lay in lattice pattern over top of apples. Trim excess pie crust, then brush tops with melted butter. Bake at 375° F for 25-30 minutes, until tops are golden brown. Let them cool 10-15 minutes before serving.
INGREDIENTS • 6 large Granny Smith apples • 1 tsp. cinnamon • 1/2 cup sugar • 1/2 tsp. rum or vanilla extract • 1 refrigerated pie crust • 2 tbs butter, melted
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Hoo’s Tips
MEAL PLANNING TIPS Planning for family mealtime can be tough, but it doesn’t have to be. Take the stress out of planning and preparing family meals with these tips and begin reaping the benefits of more time together around the dinner table. Commit to having one additional meal with your family each week at home. It doesn’t matter whether it is breakfast, lunch or dinner. The benefits are the same. After a month, you may be surprised by how easily your new commitment has become a habit for the entire family. Rely on the resources available at your local grocery store. Even when you don’t feel like cooking, there are countless meal planning solutions such as pre-prepped fresh ingredients, delicious ready-made entrées and wholesome heat-and-eat dishes. Make meal planning a family affair. List each family member’s
favorite foods in each of the main food groups and see how many combinations you can create. Then ask your children to accompany you to the store to help select the ingredients (and use the trip for age-appropriate learning, such as comparing prices, reading labels, etc.). Save time by engaging the whole family in meal preparation. Even the littlest hands can help with tasks like setting the table. Set a regular meal time so you can plan other activities around it. Sit around the table, turn off the TV and put away phones and electronic devices. Keep the focus on each other. Eating together with your children regularly can have an important impact on their development and behavior. See our article on page 8 for why it’s so important.
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EDUCATION DIRECTORY
Wise Choices for You & Your Family
If you would like to feature your school or child care option, call Tammy at 253-212-7270.
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SCHOOLS! Secure your space in our
biggest independent school directory of the year! Runs in 1st Quarter 2017.
DEADLINE DEC. 1 Childcare options invited too!
Teaching the in the Heart of Columbus
school.stlukeum.com 318 11th Street 706.256.1301 K5-8th Grade • Preschool • Early Learning Center
Calvary Christian School K3-12th
CalvaryKnights.com
A Ministry of Calvary Baptist Church
706.323.0467
K3-6th Grade | Small Classes | Military Discounts 2303 Double Churches Road | 706-323-4441 westminsterchristianschool.org
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